Please help

[fletchman919]

I just picked up a lo boy 154. Serial number isn't legible, so I'm not sure of the year. I bought it not running. Some sort of electrical issue. I need to wire it up to get it to turn over. It has a 2 position ignition switch, a start button and a solenoid. I installed a new 12 volt battery and a wire from the solenoid to the regulator started smoking. I need to know how to wire it up and if I even need the solenoid. I'd prefer to eliminate it if possible because I'm thinking that it's not necessary if I have a ignition and start switch. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm a level 1 electric guy so take it easy on me. ☺

[Eugene]

The wiring diagram is located on pages 28 thru 30 something of the owner's manual.

Quick links, top left of this page.

You need the solenoid.

[fletchman919]

The wiring diagram is located on pages 28 thru 30 something of the owner's manual.

Quick links, top left of this page.

You need the solenoid.

Ok, thank you!

Can someone please explain to me why the solenoid is needed? I just want to understand.

[Eugene]

The solenoid uses low amperage 12 volts from the ignition switch to activate a much heavier switch connecting the battery to the starter. You could look up a more detailed explanation on the internet.

[fletchman919]

Thank you!

[fletchman919]

Which wire goes to GEN on the voltage regulator? Right now I have a wire from A post on generator going there. Is that correct? I keep melting a wire and trying to figure this out.

[fletchman919]

Also I have the L post from the regulator going to the BATT post on the ignition switch.

I have the IGN post from the switch going to the coil. Is this correct?

[Larry B]

You should have:
Thick wire from solenoid to A on mot/gen
Thin wire from A on mot/gen to Gen terminal on regulator
Wire from F term on mot/gen to field term on regulator
BATT term on regulator goes to battery.
L terminal is for loads and i don't think is used in stock wiring of the tractor

Wire burning when starting or running?

[fletchman919]

Thank you Larry! I'll try that tomorrow. The wire got hot as soon as I hooked the battery up.

I tried searching for a diagram that I could understand, but it all looks like jibber jabber to me. Is there a drawing that anyone knows of that might help me? I have to do all the wiring. It's all messed up. Most of the components are not original. I'm trying to wire up a solenoid and a 3 position ignition switch also. I'm so confused with all of it.

[Jim Becker]

Everything you described is correct. I take it that the wire from regulator GEN to generator A is melting as soon as you connect it with the engine not running. Engine not running, there shouldn't be voltage at the regulator GEN terminal. Sounds like there is, meaning the cut-out points inside the regulator are probably stuck shut. You may be able to take the cover off the regulator and pop the points open.

Clarify on Larry's post, the BAT terminal of the regulator goes to the battery by way of the ammeter if there is one.

[BigBill]

It’s easy to rewire it one thing at a time. The charging and starting system, the ignition system, make sure your ground wires are good.

[Larry B]

I guess i should have said the wire going to the Batt terminal should have battery voltage on it. The stock wiring will have a red wire from the ammeter to the multipin connector and then 2 red wires out the other side. One to Batt on ign switch and one to Batt on regulator. This assumes the wiring is still stock.

Jim is right you shouldn't have voltage on the gen terminal. Try this . Disconnect all wires but the Batt terminal wire from the regulatir. Check to see if you have 12 volts to ground from the Gen terminal. If you do he is right and the contact in the regulatir are probably stuck

[fletchman919]

Thanks to all of you!

The wiring isn't stock. Prior owner rewired and gave up. I took this challenge on knowing nothing. Lol!

I will check all of your instructions when I get home from work and see what I've got.

It's frustrating because I know someone with the right knowledge could have it uo and running in a hour or so.

Thank you all again!

[Eugene]

I tried searching for a diagram that I could understand.

The wiring pictorial in the parts manual is the same as the owner's manual.

Most of the components are not original. I'm trying to wire up a solenoid and a 3 position ignition switch also. I'm so confused with all of it.

Probably the most difficult thing about electrical wiring is figuring out what previous owners did. This usually leaves two options:

1) Tear everything out and start over or purchase a wiring harness for the tractor.
2) Trace (multimeter) each wire looking for start and finish point, shorts, installed correctly.

[fletchman919]

It seems that I have everything correct. The wire that was melting was from the BATT terminal on the voltage regulator to the solenoid. I believe the contact in the VR was in fact stuck. It's not getting hit now.

However, I can not get the engine to turn over. Nothing at all....